Coyote Point to 3rd Avenue, USA
| Wind | Thermal westerly, typically 15+ kt from the west, best Apr–Sep |
| Water | Tidal saltwater; current can run to ±4.5 kt — a defining hazard |
| Rescue | VHF ch16 treated as critical (phones/watches lose service offshore); Coast Guard SF Command 415-399-3451; buddy usually finishes the run before triaging |
| Rules | Hi-vis jersey or PFD strongly urged, VHF, buddy system + float plan (SFBA downwind guide) |
| Level | Advanced — no last-chance beach until 3rd Ave, so you must be able to go upwind |
Is Coyote Point to 3rd Avenue a parawing run?
Coyote Point to 3rd Avenue is the popular Peninsula line on San Francisco Bay — roughly 10 km riding the summer thermal westerly. It reads as a strong candidate for a single-stow parawing downwind glide, but documented parawing use on this run is not established. What follows is inferred from the bay’s deep wing and kite downwind record, not from proven parawing sessions. Treat it as suitable-by-analysis.
Wind and water
The bay runs on thermal westerlies, best April through September, typically 15+ kt from the west where the swell organizes. The Bay’s islands, bridges and bathymetry mean there is no obvious straight downwind vector — swell shows up in select spots only, and this Peninsula line is one of the reliable ones.
The defining hazard is not the swell but the current, which can run to ±4.5 kt — locally called faster than an Olympic swimmer. Combined with shipping channels, that current is what makes this an advanced line rather than a casual one.
Why it’s committed
Coyote Point has, in the local phrase, “no last-chance beach until 3rd Ave.” If the wind drops mid-run you have to be able to hold your line and go upwind — there is no easy bailout. The put-in near the Boardsports shop is tight; the low-tide launch by the power lines is safer.
Safety
The San Francisco Bay Association publishes a detailed downwind guide, and the local culture is self-reliant by necessity: a buddy usually has to finish the run before they can turn back to triage a rescue. A VHF radio on channel 16 is treated as critical gear because phones and watches lose service offshore. A fluorescent hi-vis jersey or PFD is strongly urged — without a wing up you are nearly invisible to boat traffic — plus a waterproof-cased phone for GPS, a buddy system and a float plan. Coast Guard SF Command is 415-399-3451. Rehearse your self-rescue and drift before you commit to a line with this much current.
Where the parawing fits
Because the real danger is current and shipping rather than shorebreak, the parawing’s relaunch capability is a genuine asset here versus a deflated wing — you can redeploy and power back upwind. But that is an argument from the equipment, not a log of sessions. Bring range for the variable bay wind.
Compare it with other downwind runs or size your canopy for the bay’s 15+ kt westerly with the parawing size calculator.
FAQ
Is Coyote Point to 3rd Avenue good for parawing foiling?
On paper the summer westerly and ~10 km Peninsula fetch suit a single-stow downwind glide, but no documented parawing sessions on this run are on record. The assessment is inferred from the bay's established wing and kite downwind use, so treat it as suitable-by-analysis rather than proven.
How dangerous is the San Francisco Bay current?
The current can run to ±4.5 kt — described locally as faster than an Olympic swimmer — and it is the defining hazard here, more than the swell. Coyote Point has no last-chance beach until 3rd Ave, so you must be able to hold and go upwind if the wind drops.
What safety gear do SF Bay downwinders carry?
The local community treats a VHF radio on channel 16 as critical, since phones and watches lose service offshore. A fluorescent hi-vis jersey or PFD is strongly urged — without a wing up you are nearly invisible — plus a waterproof-cased phone for GPS, a buddy system and a float plan.